El Jebel, a small community steeped in Colorado's natural beauty
Found in the Roaring Fork Valley and just 22 miles away from the world-class skiing of Aspen, El Jebel is a small community with big-time access to outdoor recreation. It’s settled in part of the White River National Forest and framed by the Roaring Fork River, so residents get scenic views in every direction for every season. “The El Jebel and Basalt area is a good gateway to getting the beauty of Colorado with actual accessibility. It’s surrounded by national forest land, the oxygen levels are good, and you can drive in and out when needed,” says Thomas Banner, an El Jebel local and Realtor with Sotheby’s International Realty. “It checks a lot of boxes. When I travel, I’m just happy to come back here. A lot of people come to our little area because they like the rural feel, and the entry-level for homes is manageable for the Aspen corridor.”
New townhouses, custom homes and renovated properties for Roaring Fork Valley affordability
Residential settings in El Jebel run a wide range, with options ranging from seclusion on private mountain roads to lakefront properties and new-construction subdivisions. “Nature is a huge part of why real estate is so valuable here. As far as building goes, there’s not a whole land left; we’re seeing the peak of what’s new,” Banner says. “What’s four million dollars here is 20 in Aspen. This is still an expensive area, but comparatively, it’s affordable. You can save millions if you’re willing to drive 25 minutes down the road.” Architecture is highly varied; many midcentury ranch-style homes and saltbox houses still stand, having been renovated for the 21st century. El Jebel experienced a huge residential boom in 2000, and the wave has continued, with sleek modern townhomes and condos being built alongside large, custom properties. The median sale price for homes in El Jebel as of mid-2025 is $1,260,000.
Seemingly limitless options for outdoor recreation, from river to mountainside
When it comes to the outdoors, El Jebel has a world of options. “We really have unmatched access to outdoor recreation. In every direction, there are things to do,” Banner says. “You want to ski in Aspen, go horseback riding, go hiking in the forest? You can do all of that. And we have a big rafting community here – not tubing, though, or you’ll freeze in that river.” The Roaring Fork River can have rough patches, but anglers can wade out to cast a line in portions where the water is calmer. The Rio Grande Trail, a paved multi-use pathway that spans 42 miles, runs right along the river; many from El Jebel and surrounding communities use it daily for jogging and biking. Since mountains surround El Jebel, there is no shortage of hiking and scenic views; it is only a decision of how challenging a trail to take. The snow-capped peak of Mount Sopris is visible from the community, 13,000 feet in height, with a 13-mile trail that starts from the clear lakes near the foothills and runs up the mountainside.
Locally owned businesses around El Jebel and doing big errand runs to Glenwood Springs
Several retail plazas are dotted along Highway 82, stretching from El Jebel to Basalt. While they are mostly filled with local shops and small errand stops, such as gas stations and banks, they also contain big-name grocers like City Market and Whole Foods Market. “Our shopping is limited, but it’s not like we’re completely in the middle of nowhere. You can drive 25 minutes up to Glenwood Springs every couple weeks to go to Walmart or Lowe’s if you need it,” Banner says. Independently owned restaurants are interspersed with the chains, from the locally sourced ingredients at Hominy Southern Kitchen to the freshly baked dough at Open Sesame Bagel Shop.
Nearby education with the Roaring Fork School District
El Jebel falls under the Roaring Fork School District, and most kids in the area will start at Basalt Elementary School, which receives a B-minus on Niche. Students can head to Basalt Middle School, which gets a B, before going to B-plus-rated Basalt High School. The Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Education Department of Basalt High develops and ensures a dual language curriculum, a Spanish Language Arts and Literacy program, and English development courses. Many students will leave high school after graduation with a Seal of Biliteracy.
Traveling Highway 82 via bus or car
The community is intersected by State Highway 82, which spans 85 miles and is the main thoroughfare for Roaring Fork Valley. Highway 82 connects to Interstate 70, roughly 19 miles north of El Jebel, which is used to get to major metro areas such as Denver. Several bus stops are located off Highway 82, with local routes operated by the Roaring Fork Transportation Authority. The routes travel between Aspen and Glenwood Springs, with a bus stopping every 30 minutes to pick up passengers.
